Who hikes in cold, wet conditions?

I do.

I use it as a tool for avoiding the crowds and forest fires in the Pacific Northwest of the US.

Just returned from a very wet backpack on the Wilderness Beach of Olympic National Park in Washington State.

I was hiking up a low mountain north of Denali yesterday, one on Kodiak this morning and will be walking the dog in Kenai this afternoon. All in cold and wet conditions in my non-Goretex, low-cut, breathable shoes.

That’s more far-flung locations for me than most 24-hour periods – I’m flirting around Alaska doing a bunch of site assessments for cell towers.

My brother and I went for another round on the  the Loowit Trail around Mt St Helens this past weekend. It was rain, sleet, and snow with 30-40 mph winds. We had the trail to ourselves. Saw a lot of goats and elk.  Less than ideal conditions give me just the isolation I need from time to time.

No need to go to the great northwest or Alaska to get wet and stay wet.  Worst debacle was an intended North-to-South  end-to-end on Vermont’s Long Trail that began with heavy rain on the second day, and for every day after that.  Had to stop every hour or so, drain the boots and wring out the sox,. and the footing was lousy due to the mud.  After a week, called my brother who lives in VT and said ‘Get me the ____ out of here,’  And he was good enough to bail me out.

Cold rain is the most miserable weather outside of a Class 3 Killstorm (the cool kids will get the reference).  I’ve hiked in it, but not enjoyed it one bit.

Happens during thru-hikes. Expect them. Be equipped to handle them.

Day walks and overnights – not so much.

Cheers